- The Washington Times - Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Boeing and its striking union returned to the bargaining table Tuesday for the first talks since the union turned thumbs down on a contract proposal last week. 

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 751 confirmed the meeting, posting on X, “With the continued assistance of acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, your union bargaining committee had a productive face-to-face meeting with the company to address key bargaining issues. Your negotiating committee will continue to engage with the company to secure the best possible outcome for our members. We will keep you informed of new developments as they unfold.”

Ms. Su had helped usher in new contract negotiations this month and was partly responsible for bringing the last contract to a vote. That pact was rejected last week, with 64% of IAM membership voting no. 

The rejected deal offered a 35% wage hike over the course of the contract period, increased benefits and a performance bonus. However, the proposal was well below the IAM’s demands, which include a 40% wage increase and the reintroduction of pension plans, which were removed during 2014’s contract negotiations.

This week’s talks are a good sign for Boeing, which has struggled economically during the strike. Since more than 30,000 employees of the airline giant walked off the job on Sept. 13, the company has halted production on its popular jet models and announced thousands of temporary furloughs. 

This week, Boeing launched a stock offering that could raise upward of $24 billion to shore up finances.

• Vaughn Cockayne can be reached at vcockayne@washingtontimes.com.

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